Flights to Copenhagen Denmark

Amass

Noma may still get the loudest applause for culinary innovation, but other New Nordic restaurants – many run by ex-Noma chefs – now have long waiting lists of their own. Amass is one of the most exciting in Copenhagen, with an industrial setting and highly experimental cuisine.

Höst

Höst is another high-rung option to visit when you travel to Copenhagen. With its bare aesthetics and sheepskin throws, the central restaurant – a stone’s throw from Torvehallerne market – certainly looks the part, and it isn’t let down by its creative meat- and fish-focused dishes either.

Mother

A firm favourite for laidback eats is Mother pizza parlour, set in Kødbyen, Copenhagen’s cool yet understated meatpacking district. Sourdough bases and classic cocktails continue to draw a switched-on crowd.

Dyrehaven

A five-minute walk from Mother, Dyrehaven is another informal but buzzing Vesterbro spot in Copenhagen. It mixes retro style (wood-panelled walls, diner-style booths) with hearty food and decent beer on tap.

The Standard

Copenhagen has long been on the international jazz radar, but fans of bebop, brass or Billie Holiday now have a new nightlife focus in The Standard, a waterside art deco building that also houses three celebrated restaurants (two Scandinavian, one Indian).

Lidkoeb

Lidkoeb is another cool cat when it comes to nightlife in Copenhagen. The well-hidden Vesterbro bar is set in a stylish three-storey house and is known for its whiskey lounge and classic cocktails.

Bakken

For more of a party vibe when you visit Copenhagen, head to Vesterbro’s Kødbyen district, made up of former (and still in use) butcher’s shops and slaughterhouses. Bakken is a long-running bar/nightclub here, with a patio and attached Mexican cantina.

Stilleben

Copenhagen’s abundant fashion and design shops frequently get hearts racing. One of the most graceful design shops is Stilleben, just off pedestrianised Strøget. It’s the place to head to for handmade ceramics and jewellery, as well as colourful textiles and geometric prints.

Dora

Another sure-fire bet for design-led homewares and accessories is Dora, on Værnedamsvej, a genteel street with a plentiful supply of charming independents.

Tricotage

Fans of Scandinavian fashion won’t be disappointed in Copenhagen, with increasingly well-known labels such as Ganni and Bruuns Bazaar well represented. One lesser-known womenswear brand is Tricotage on Jægersborggade – Nørrebro’s coolest street – specialising in sustainable cotton and simple shapes.

Illum

For a wealth of homewares and fashion under one grandiose roof – as well as food and drink, cosmetics, toys and even bicycles – Illum is a solid choice. Located in the heart of Copenhagen, the department store is a local favourite, with a great selection of home-grown and international brands.

Tivoli

Smack-bang in the centre, Tivoli is Copenhagen’s cherished amusement park. A family day-trip, teenage coming-of-age destination and, in December, winter wonderland. A century-old wooden rollercoaster sits alongside modern thrill rides and cafes – all extolling the Danish concept of “hygge” (cosy contentment).

Christiania

Very different but equally well-known as a landmark is Christiania, the residential commune established on a former military barracks in Christianshavn in the 1970s. Though now somewhat “normalised”, this place still shows a different side of the city, characterised by veggie food, edgy music bars, hand-built homes and a certain herb.

The Blue Planet

The city’s ambitious Blue Planet aquarium may have trumped it in terms of column inches over the past couple of years, but Copenhagen Zoo is still a firm family favourite, with giraffes, monkeys and tigers, and an elephant house designed by Lord Norman Foster.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

when art and design enthusiasts are flying to Copenhagen, meanwhile, they won’t want to miss a visit to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. The gallery is well worth the 40-minute train ride from Copenhagen Central train station, with dynamic exhibitions, mid-century architecture, tranquil grounds and a wonderful shop.

Events to look out for when you fly to Copenhagen:

• Wondercool Copenhagen Festival (February)
• Fastelavn carnival (February/March)
• Distortion street party (June)
• Copenhagen Jazz Festival (July)
• Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival (August)
• Kulturnatten – culture night (October)
• CPH:DOX documentary film festival (November)
• Tivoli Christmas season (December)